Climate action
Each year we see more evidence of a changing climate.
Despite global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the world is facing a different climate future. Canada is warming at twice the global average rate and impacts are already being felt and anticipated to worsen.
Our ecosystems, communities and our economy are being challenged. Wildfire, flooding, and drought have already tested local infrastructure, caused economic losses, and posed health risks to communities. It's now imperative that governments and individuals act to minimize, prepare for and adapt to these future extremes.
Okanagan climate projections report
The RDCO has partnered with the regional districts of North Okanagan and Okanagan Similkameen on the Climate Projections Report for the Okanagan. This report provides the scientific foundation to make informed decisions that support community action and to better prepare for climate variations over the next 30 and 60 years.
Findings indicate that the Okanagan can expect significant changes including:
- Warmer temperatures year-round
- Summers will be considerably hotter
- Increased duration of growing season
- Warmer winter temperatures
- Increased precipitation across all seasons except summer
- Summer is expected to remain the driest season, and become drier; and
- We can expect shifting seasons
Funding for the report was provided by the three regional districts, Natural Resources Canada in partnership with the Fraser Basin Council and the Okanagan Basin Water Board Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program.
Greenhouse gas emissions
It's anticipated that extreme weather events will occur more frequently unless greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are mitigated.
In 2017 and 2018, the Regional District received Level 2 recognition for measuring greenhouse gas emissions by the Union of BC Municipalities Green Communities Committee.
The RDCO is a signatory to the B.C. Climate Action Charter. We report annually on the initiatives we are taking as an organization and what we are doing to help the community reduce GHG emissions.
Policies
- Green Vehicle and Equipment Policy Implementation Plan 2021-2040
- Regional Board Priorities
- Regional Growth Strategy | Bylaw No. 1336
Community initiatives
- Recycling curbside cart collection
- Yard waste curbside cart collection
- Flood mitigation strategy
- Safe Routes 4 Schools: we encourage students that live 2.5 km or less from their school to use physical transportation to get to and from school
- Fuel mitigation in regional parks
- RDCO hosted a public climate event in February 2020
Corporate initiatives
- We've supported alternative transportation methods and developing corridors like the Mission Creek, Lebanon Creek and Trepanier Creek greenways by building trail networks (e.g. rail trail) to provide active transportation options connecting neighbourhoods and communities.
- Climate Action Program Survey Reports:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reports:
- Climate Projections for the Okanagan Region, 2020
- Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) report, 2020
- Okanagan Biomass Inventory, 2021
Looking ahead
- No idling bylaw
- Regional transportation plan
Resources to get involved
- CleanBC– Provincial plan to lower emissions including rebates and incentives
- BC Climate Action Charter
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